For your protection,
permits are required before any home construction or improvements can be done.
Permits are issued to the person who will physically perform the work for which
the permit is sought. Permits are obtained at the Building Department from
8:00 A.M.- 3:30 P.M., Monday through Friday. Check with the department
before beginning any construction, electrical, plumbing, heating or air
conditioning work. Permits are also required for garage sales and satellite
dishes.

Upon request and
for informational purposes only,
the Building Department can provide homeowners with a list of contractors who
have met the registration requirements for the City of South Euclid, and are
licensed, bonded and insured to work in the city. Although neither the Building
Department nor the City recommends contractors, the Registered Contractors list
can be a great help to the homeowner in choosing a licensed contractor for their
project.

13 Steps to Hiring a Contractor

- Seek a referral from someone you know who is happy with his
or her contractor's work.

- Solicit bids from at least three contractors

- Be wary of proposals that are much lower than any other
proposals.

- Contact the Better Business Bureau to check out any
contractors that submit bids.

- Insist on a written contract that outlines your entire
agreement, including starting and completion dates.

- Have an attorney review any documents before you sign them,
including contracts, warranties, and plans.

- Make sure there are no blank spaces on anything you sign.

- Insist upon a written warranty on all materials and work.

- Get all building permits and variances before starting the
project - and identify the contractor on the

applications.

- Inspect all work before signing a completion certificate.

- Withhold final payment until the entire project is finished
and inspected.

- Get a contractor's affidavit that all subcontractors and
material suppliers have been paid before making